Manitoba's senior federal politician is calling it quits.
Conservative MP Vic Toews says he is resigning as of Tuesday, July 9. Toews will not only leave his cabinet post as Public Safety Minister, he is also stepping down as the representative for Provencher.
That will trigger a byelection as the next general election is still two years away.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to shuffle his cabinet as early as this week.
St. Boniface MP Shelly Glover and Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen are seen as favourites to potentially replace Toews in cabinet.
"My sincere thanks to @toewsvic as he leaves Parliament. Best wishes for the future," tweeted Harper Monday morning.
Toews, who has represented the riding of Provencher, Man. for 12 and a half years, has served as the regional minister for Manitoba since 2006. In the past, he has served as minister of justice and president of the treasury board.
In his statement, Toews thanked his colleagues, volunteers and family for their support.
"I am leaving public life in order to focus on my family and to pursue opportunities in the private sector,” he said.
- with a report from Jeff Keele
